A place to call home.

Catholic Charities Emergency Family ShelterCatholic Charities Emergency Family Shelter keeps homeless families together during a very difficult time in their lives.

Our experienced staff understands that homelessness is not a simple issue. While each family is expected to follow the same rules and expectations at the shelter, they are all provided individualized case management. The goal is to help each family leave the shelter with stable housing, financial stability, and empowerment to live a successful, sustainable life.

Are you in need of shelter?

All families seeking shelter should contact
Primary Healthcare Outreach, the Centralized Intake agency in our community.

515-248-1850      1200 University Ave #120, Des Moines, IA 50314

Become a meal provider!

We provide dinner to all families staying at the shelter seven days a week. The shelter can house up to ten families at one time and we are regularly at capacity. Meal provider volunteers help us feed those we care for who are working on becoming self-sufficient to provide for themselves and their families. Meals should serve around 34 people.

If you are interested in providing a meal, please contact Kelli Novak, shelter coordinator, at knovak@catholiccharitiesdm.org. For more information, please view our meal provider guidelines.

Current Available Dates:

September: 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 29
October: 2, 3, 6, 7, 15, 17, 19, 23, 28, 29, 30, 31

Donate to Shelter

Donations are accepted on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00pm – 3:00pm.

Catholic Charities Emergency Family Shelter accepts the following items ONLY.

  • To shop directly from our Amazon Wishlist, Click HERE. All items will be shipped directly to the Catholic Charities Emergency Family Shelter
    • Be sure to select the Shelter from the choices on the left hand side. 
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Kitchen items (plates, bowls, silverware, mugs, napkins, children eating utensils/dishes)
  • NEW toddler pullups 4t-5t
  • NEW pillows and XL sheets/blankets

**PLEASE NOTE THAT WE DO NOT ACCEPT CLOTHING, TOYS, FOOD, ELECTRONICS OF ANY KIND, OR FURNITURE**

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

Catholic Charities Food Pantry upholds the USDA Nondiscrimination Statement. The statement can be read here: https://www.usda.gov/non-discrimination-statement